Bruce Springsteen's legacy revives American dream spirit in new museum

Long Branch, New Jersey, is now home to the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music, a new museum celebrating the rock legend's work and the broader history of American music. Located near Asbury Park, a coastal town that shaped Springsteen's early career, the building itself is an homage to the region's industrial past with its raw steel facade.

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The stories that Bruce narrates in his autobiography, 'Born to Run,' and of course, in the lyrics of his songs, were the source of inspiration for many of the architectural decisions.

Architects drew inspiration from Springsteen's "Born to Run" autobiography and song lyrics for the design. The 3,000-square-meter, two-level center, which opened Saturday, explores genres like blues, country, hip-hop, and jazz on its first floor. A 25-minute film highlights protest singers, including Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Nina Simone, Public Enemy, and Kendrick Lamar.

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I am just a link in a long chain of transmitters.

Exhibits include loaned artifacts such as Elvis Presley's gold jacket, John Coltrane's saxophone, Eddie Van Halen's guitar, and Chuck D's cap. Bob Santelli, the center's executive director, noted that Springsteen's name facilitated obtaining these items. The museum, costing $53 million, was primarily funded by donations from wealthy fans and will also house Springsteen's personal archives.

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It was relatively easy for me to make a few calls to request the loan of this or that object.

While the museum covers a wide range of American music, some genres like disco, funk, house, and techno are omitted due to space constraints. The upper level focuses on Springsteen's journey: his early gigs, the formation of the E Street Band, and his international breakthrough with the "Born in the USA" album. The center aims to connect visitors with the enduring spirit of the "American dream" through music.

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Bruce's name opens many doors.